I’ve been lopping at my Cherry Tree
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I had a go with the bow saw today at a large cherry tree in my front garden.
Some of the sections taken are pretty straight and healthy and around 4″ diameter. I’d love to dry some of it out and use it for smaller projects but I have absolutely no idea how to go about the process.
Can anyone offer any suggestions?
I don’t have access to a bandsaw so if I need to turn into boards I’ll be ripping down by hand (i’m a fairly fit 37 year old).
I’ve read somewhere on Mr Seller’s website that I would need to paint the cut end grain but is that before or after it’s been cut into sections?
Many thanks,
Rob
You should paint, shellac, or wax the ends of the wood as soon as you cut it to prevent uneven moisture loss which leads to checking.
I’m cutting up some similar small cherry logs. I agree with Larry Geib. There’s no harm is sealing the ends first, and checking could develop if you wait. I would also split or cut the logs at least in half. Wood shrinks more in the direction around the log than it does from core to bark, so halving the logs helps to relieve the tension that develops. Also, you also get rewarded with a view of the beautiful grain inside.